Lord's Day 49 Pray that we, ourselves may always accept and do God's will

Pray that we, ourselves and every creature may always accept and do God’s will. This petition is:

1. an admission of weakness
2. a prayer for wisdom
3. a confession of God’s mercy

Questions to think about during the sermon:
Point 1:

1. If we don’t want to do the will of God, are we still allowed to pray the 3rd petition?
2. When (most) people today talk about Christian freedom, what do they mean? What did the Reformers (and Paul) mean when they referred to Christian freedom?
3. If the Bible does not address specific issues in our life, how do we wish to resolve these issues (in faith)? Why? Which statement in the catechism forces us to this conclusion?
   Point 2:
4. If Saul and Paul and the Crusaders and the Roman Catholic Inquisition all felt that they were doing the will of God – but they were wrong – how can I ever be sure that I am doing the will of God?
5. What kind of lives should we – then – live?
   Point 3:
6. We obey God partly, while the angels obey Him fully. Why does our obedience give more glory to God than the obedience of the angels?
7. Is it very important that we fight hard against our sins, and that we try hard to do the will of God? How important is it?